Gov. Perdue Requests Federal Disaster Money

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue has asked for a presidential disaster declaration for parts of North Georgia.

He says he needs federal funds to help people recover from the flood which has now claimed eight lives. The latest death was confirmed after the body of the 15-year-old was found in the Chattooga River.

Emergency officials estimate that property damage from flooding in North Georgia is likely to exceed $16 million.

And there’s also the cost of temporary housing and rescue operations as hundreds of Georgians had to evacuate after creeks and rivers flooded entire subdivisions.

Perdue says Georgia does not have the money to pay for temporary housing as people get their lives back together. He says FEMA needs to step in.

“This will ensure that people who are displaced will have those funds and are guaranteed those funds while their homes are being repaired.”

People without flood insurance may be out of luck.

Perdue says Georgia does not have an any money in its depleted budget to assist them, but he adds that the state will do everything it can to help all Georgia citizens.